A fence can definitely help an animal. By raising wildlife fences, people can ultimately help save the lives of hundreds of animals and protect them from danger caused by human activities. But people should not forget that a fence could also prohibit an animal from the things that they naturally do which can be critical for their survival.

In Britain, environmental campaigners are now urging homeowners to cut a hole on their fences so that hedgehogs would be allowed to pass through and look for food or find mates. According to them, hedgehogs should be allowed to go from one garden to another to forage for food as well as mating with their fellow hedgehogs to ensure their survival.

In the recent decades, it can be said that the number of hedgehogs have dramatically decreased and every year, their numbers are falling by three percent.
A volunteer at the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Sue Kidge, said that since gardens are becoming smaller and smaller, it would definitely be beneficial for hedgehogs if people cut out holes on their garden fences to connect gardens.
If you fear that your household pet would also be able to access the hole, then the BHPS recommends that you at least create a five inch gap that could only accommodate the size of a hedgehog and not any other. This could either be done by removing a brick on the wall, digging a hole underneath the wall or cutting a hole on the wall if it is possible.

In the 1950s, the number of hedgehogs in Britain is estimated to be about 30 million. But by the 90s, that number has fallen drastically and quite rapidly with 1.5 million.

This simple act may help save the hedgehogs in Britain and further their numbers. Backed by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, the BHPS is calling it the Hedgehog Street initiative.